Crime fiction was not what Helen Forbes expected to write.  As a parent and mature law student, she used her limited spare time to write contemporary and historical Scottish fiction.  It was a chance remark at a writing club that led her to develop a short story into her debut crime novel, In the Shadow of the Hill. 

 

The novel is set in Inverness, featuring Detective Sergeant Joe Galbraith, with a plot described in one newspaper review as having ‘more twists and turns than the road to the isles, making it impossible to put down.’ 

 

The novel and characters proved popular with readers, leading to the publication of a second book in the DS Joe Galbraith series, Madness Lies.  

 

Helen has recently written a psychological thriller, Deception, which is currently with her literary agent.  She has also had short stories published and placed in national and international competitions. 

 

Her works in progress include a contemporary novel set in North Uist – Breathing of the Vanished, and a novel set in 18th century St Kilda – Lament for the Children.